Risk perception, trust and the adoption of cloud computing in Kenya

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Abstract

Against the background of adoption of cloud based services by large as well as small to medium organizations in Kenya, this study concerns itself with identification of factors influencing adoption of this technology in Kenya. The objective identified, the relationship between Risk perception and trust in cloud computing and identified the relationship between risk perception and adoption.
Following the theory of reasoned action (TRA) as applied to a technology-driven environment, technology acceptance model (TAM) variables (perceived usefulness and ease of use) are posited as key drivers of e-commerce acceptance. The practical utility of TAM stems from the fact that cloud computing is technology-driven. Diffusion of innovation is posited with the quick or slowness of adoption of new technology due to various factors.
The new conceptual model derived from this two models propose a conceptual model that integrates risk factors trust and perceived risk, which are incorporated given the implicit uncertainty of the e-commerce environment.. The resulting conceptual model was tested using regression analysis to come up with the models expressing the relationship between; the risk factors and risk perception, risk perception level of Trust and level of adoption and risk perception (R) and Adoption (A) of cloud computing data from two empirical studies.
The Study strongly identifies infrastructure reliability as a risk affecting the adoption of Cloud computing. The paper discusses the implications of the infrastructure reliability as a risk factor and makes several recommendations to various stakeholders and suggestions for future research.